2009 NFL draft - The Way It SHOULD Happen

Mock drafts may be the most readily available sports analysis on the internet. Despite the vast inaccuracies of mock drafts, countless versions are pumped out by countless writers, analysts, and bloggers.

Predicting how the first round will pan out is impossible. Nobody can read 32 general manager's minds or predict every trade—both up and back—that will happen.

That's why I'm not going to bother trying. This mock draft (of sorts) is a list of what would happen if logic were in charge of each team's first-round draft selection.

Unfortunately, logic and team needs aren't always top priorities in the NFL draft—ask Matt Millen. If they were, this is what the first round would look like.

1. Detroit - Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia)

Matthew Stafford is rumored to be signing a contract Friday night, but committing $30 million or more to an offensive lineman is much safer than giving it to a quarterback with zero pro starts. Quarterbacks Rhett Bomar, Graham Harrell, or Hunter Cantwell could be possibilities later in the draft.

Monroe's well-rounded play gives him the nod over Baylor's Jason Smith.

2. St. Louis - Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)

The departure of Orlando Pace made the Rams' need at offensive tackle even more pressing. Bringing Smith into the fold will give the Rams solid bookend tackles to rebuild their offense around.

3. Kansas City - Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest)

With only one pick in the first two rounds, the Chiefs must make the No. 3 selection count—if they hold on to it. A trade back is possible; especially with a team looking to snag Stafford or Mark Sanchez before Seattle hits the clock.

Curry, considered the top talent in the draft, provides an immediate impact for a defense in dire need of one.

4. Seattle - Matthew Stafford (QB, Georgia)

Should Monroe or Smith slip down to No. 4, the Seahawks shouldn't take more than a minute to get their index card with either tackle's name up to the podium. With both gone, however, Seattle can draft Stafford to take Matt Hasselbeck's place as early as next season.

Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers proved that a year (or more) on the bench isn't a bad thing for a rookie quarterback.

5. Cleveland - Brian Orakpo (LB/DE, Texas)

The Browns managed only 17 sacks last season. Who better to fill that void than Orakpo, who earned the nickname "O-Sack-Po" during his senior season in Austin? Wide receiver has quickly become a need. Brian Robiskie would be a great fit when Cleveland hits the clock with pick No. 36.

6. Cincinnati - Andre Smith (OT, Alabama)

Cincinnati could use a player like Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe. Unfortunately, they are both off the board. Andre Smith will provide some serious attitude on the offensive line. His character has been in question since he bolted the combine unannounced. But when have character issues stopped the Bengals?

7. Oakland - Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech)

Tackle may be a bigger need for the Raiders, but Michael Oher would be a stretch here. Javon Walker and Johnnie Lee Higgins highlight Oakland's receiving corps, an obvious indication that an upgrade is needed.

Crabtree may not have the speed Jeremy Maclin does, but Crabtree's superior hands, as well as his ability to run excellent routes and breaks tackles, makes him the pick.

8. Jacksonville - B.J. Raji (DT, Boston College)

Wide receiver was Jacksonville's biggest need, but that changed once Torry Holt signed with the team. The Jags' passing offense actually improved from 18th in the NFL in 2007 to 16th last season, furthering the argument that Jacksonville does not need to pick a receiver here.

Jacksonville's defense needs attention and pairing Raji with John Henderson is a great way to start.

9. Green Bay - Malcolm Jenkins (DB, Ohio State)

Contrary to popular belief, drafting an outside linebacker is not a necessity for Green Bay—Aaron Kampman and Brady Poppinga will be fine in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. Cornerback is a need, however, and Jenkins' physicality will be a perfect fit in Titletown.

Tyson Jackson is a strong possibility, but Jarron Gilbert and Khalif Mitchell could be options in the second or third round instead.

10. San Francisco - Everette Brown (LB/DE, Florida State)

Considering Brown is listed at 6'1" and a shade over 250, his size isn't ideal for the defensive end position, which may be a blessing. Brown has elite pass-rushing skills, something the Niners desperately need. Manny Lawson has not been effective on the outside and Brown will either push Lawson to succeed or push him out of the starting lineup.

11. Buffalo - Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss)

Before Jason Peters was traded to Philadelphia, addressing offensive tackle in the draft was only a matter of adding depth. That has drastically changed. Demetrius Bell and Jonathan Scott are not viable starters, making Oher a necessity. Buffalo is a strong candidate to move into the top five to snag one of the three premier tackles.

12. Denver - Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)

If only it were this easy. Denver will likely have to trade up to draft Sanchez, but if he falls to the No. 12 spot, the pick won't require a lot of thinking. Kyle Orton wasn't the answer in Chicago and he won't be the answer Denver. Drafting Sanchez allows new coach Josh McDaniels to hand-pick the new leader of Denver's offense.

13. Washington - Clay Matthews (LB, USC)

Washington's pass rush was abysmal last season, tallying only 24 sacks, the third-worst total in the NFL. Matthews is dangerous off the edge and has a non-stop motor that could fuel a sometimes indifferent Redskins defense.

Tyson Jackson is in play here, but Matthews' ability to create pressure off the edge makes him the choice.

14. New Orleans - Brian Cushing (LB, USC)

If the Saints want to start a new version of a thunder-and-lightning backfield, Chris "Beanie" Wells may be the choice to replace Deuce McAlister.

New Orleans' Achilles' heel of late has been defense and Cushing is a playmaker, something the Saints don't have on defense. Cushing's intelligence, work ethic, and toughness will add to a defense in need of immediate improvement.

15. Houston - Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)

The Texans could use a cornerback to play opposite Dunta Robinson, but Jacques Reeves' consistency last year may be enough of a holdover for 2009. Andre Johnson draws constant double-teams without a true field-stretching deep threat on the other side of the field.

Enter Maclin, who will stretch the field, allow Kevin Curtis to play in the slot, and draw attention away from Johnson.

16. San Diego - Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)

San Diego doesn't have a ton of needs, but with the departure of Igor Olshansky, defensive end is one of them. Jackson's strength and athleticism will allow him to disrupt the offensive line, allowing San Diego's linebackers to pressure the backfield. Jackson's selection won't be a flashy one but it may prove to be greatly beneficial.

17. New York Jets - Josh Freeman (QB, Kansas State)

Wide receiver has more value at this spot. Freeman may be a bit of a stretch at No. 17, but it won't matter which receiver the Jets select if there isn't a capable quarterback throwing to them.

Freeman isn't proven as a starter, but Kellen Clemens hasn't shown he can be a consistent NFL quarterback. Wide receivers Louis Murphy and Demetrius Byrd could be options in the second or third round.

18. Denver (from Chicago) - Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)

Linebacker appears to be a need, but D.J. Williams is a solid player and the free-agent addition of Andra Davis takes immediate attention off the position. Denver ranked 31st in opponent passer rating in 2008. Champ Bailey is 30 and Andre Goodman is average at best.

Davis can immediately play nickel corner and possibly move into the starting spot opposite Bailey by the end of the year.

19. Tampa Bay - Aaron Maybin (DE/LB, Penn State)

Maybin fills a need for Tampa Bay much the way Everette Brown does for Buffalo. Maybin could play defensive end opposite Gaines Adams or stand up and play linebacker to give the Bucs some much-needed pressure off the edge.

Maybin is a raw talent, which new coach Raheem Morris could mold whichever way he chooses. Michael Johnson has been drawing a lot of steam at this spot, but Maybin's flexibility will be more beneficial to the Bucs.

20. Detroit - Rey Maualuga (LB, USC)

When Detroit's 0-16 season came to an merciful end in Green Bay, Ernie Sims had little help surrounding him at the linebacker position. Julian Peterson was acquired in a trade to aid the rush off the corner.

Drafting Maualuga could complete the makeover and give the Lions a defensive leader for the next decade.

21. Philadelphia - Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia)

The Eagles might be best served to draft Chris "Beanie" Wells here to acquire a running back that is effective between the tackles, but injury concerns haunt Wells and make Moreno the pick.

Moreno should fit well in Philly's offensive scheme and will provide insurance to the perpetually questionable Brian Westbrook.

22. Minnesota - Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest)

Wide receiver is a need for the Vikings, but Percy Harvin and Darrius Heyward-Bey aren't the type Minnesota needs. If they go for a wideout, a possession receiver is a must.

Smith, however, can immediately make a difference on a defensive unit that ranked 18th in the NFL against the pass. With Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in the division, stopping the pass is becoming a priority.

23. New England - James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State)

Bill Belichick drafts intelligent team players with a high football IQ and great character. With a need to infuse youth into the linebacking corps, no player may fit the Pats better than Laurinaitis.

His slip down the draft board is solely due to a poor 40 time and in time, he could be considered a steal at No. 23.

24. Atlanta - Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DT, Missouri)

Atlanta nearly drafted Glenn Dorsey with last year's No. 3 overall pick to fix the need at defensive tackle. Nothing has changed since last April. The Falcons are in dire need of a playmaker inside and Hood is just that.

His size isn't ideal, but extra time in the gym can change that. His ability to disrupt in the middle makes him a huge positional upgrade over Kindal Moorehead.

25. Miami - Hakeen Nicks (WR, North Carolina)

Ted Ginn is developing nicely as an deep threat with ability to break open the big play, but the Dolphins need a possession receiver to compliment Ginn. Greg Camarillo has played well but is probably better fit as a slot receiver.

Nicks may be shorter than Rutgers wideout Kenny Britt, but Nicks' consistent hands make him a better option.

26. Baltimore - Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)

As usual, Ozzie Newsome makes Baltimore a wildcard. UConn cornerback Darius Butler and Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew will be in play, but at the end of the day, Newsome need only look 40 minutes down I-95.

Heyward-Bey will give Joe Flacco a deep threat and compliment Mark Clayton while giving Baltimore an eventual replacement for Derrick Mason.

27. Indianapolis - Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss)

Indy is very small at defensive tackle—neither starter tops the 265-pound mark. In a division with Steve Slaton, Maurice Jones-Drew and the Chris Johnson-LenDale White combination, that won't cut it.

Though he isn't the space eater B.J. Raji is, Jerry is a disruptive force inside and should pay immediate dividends for the Colts.

28. Buffalo (from Philadelphia via Carolina) - Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State)

When it comes to filling a need for Buffalo, options are somewhat limited here. The Bills need a defensive end to aid in the pass rush, but Tampa Bay may be the only team that thinks Michael Johnson is first-round material.

Buffalo also needs a pass-catching tight end, and while Pettigrew isn't a downfield threat, his balanced play will help both the pass and run games.

29. New York Giants - Kenny Britt (WR, Rutgers)

With Plaxico Burress gone, the Giants lack a true deep threat receiver for Eli Manning. While the best options for the Giants, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jeremy Maclin, are long gone, Britt is nearly two inches taller while clocking in with speed nearly identical to Maclin's.

Britt's attitude has come into question but shouldn't be a problem in Tom Coughlin's locker room.

30. Tennessee - Robert Ayers (DE, Tennessee)

The team with the league's best record in 2008 doesn't have a burning need on either side of the ball. Tennessee is aging at defensive end and Ayers, a work-in-progress with good upside, can be a situational player before taking over a starting spot in a year or two.

31. Arizona - Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB, Ohio State)

Though Edgerrin James is still on the roster, he won't be when the season begins in September.

Wells is a strong downhill runner that can give the Cardinals a between-the-tackles running game they didn't necessarily have with James. Wells will need to work on his receiving skills to become a true weapon for Arizona.

32. Pittsburgh - Max Unger (OL, Oregon)

It is no secret that Pittsburgh's offensive line is in dire need of an upgrade, even after last year's Super Bowl victory. Unger may be the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft and will be able to play wherever Mike Tomlin chooses to put him.

Not first-round material ...

Percy Harvin (WR, Florida) - In short, he's a Devin Hester-type player: Lots of big-play ability that doesn't convert well to the pro game. Look for Harvin to follow in the underachieving footsteps of Florida wide receivers Travis Taylor, Chad Jackson, Jabar Gaffney, Jacquez Green and Taylor Jacobs.

Michael Johnson (DE, Georgia Tech) - Call him what you will, Johnson is a product of offseason hype more than anything else. He was a projected top-10 pick before the 2008 college season began and he all but disappeared on the field during his senior season. He has a ton of upside but isn't worth a first-round pick.

Eben Britton (OT, Arizona) - Britton falls out of the first round based on need more than anything. Minnesota is high on the former Wildcats tackle but has more pressing needs at the moment. Britton could be a gem for a team at the front of the second round.